Literati Storytelling in Late Medieval China
Scholar—officials of late medieval China were not only enthusiastic in amateur storytelling, but also showed unprecedented interest in recording stories on different aspects of literati life. These stories appeared in diverse forms, including narrative poems, “tales of the marvelous,” “records of the strange,” historical miscellanies, and transformation texts. Through storytelling, literati explored their own changing place in a society that was making its final transition from hereditary aristocracy to a meritocracy ostensibly open to all. Literati Storytelling shows how these writings offer crucial insights into the reconfiguration of the Chinese elite, which monopolized literacy, social prestige, and political participation in imperial China.

1119064017
Literati Storytelling in Late Medieval China
Scholar—officials of late medieval China were not only enthusiastic in amateur storytelling, but also showed unprecedented interest in recording stories on different aspects of literati life. These stories appeared in diverse forms, including narrative poems, “tales of the marvelous,” “records of the strange,” historical miscellanies, and transformation texts. Through storytelling, literati explored their own changing place in a society that was making its final transition from hereditary aristocracy to a meritocracy ostensibly open to all. Literati Storytelling shows how these writings offer crucial insights into the reconfiguration of the Chinese elite, which monopolized literacy, social prestige, and political participation in imperial China.

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Literati Storytelling in Late Medieval China

Literati Storytelling in Late Medieval China

by Manling Luo
Literati Storytelling in Late Medieval China

Literati Storytelling in Late Medieval China

by Manling Luo

Overview

Scholar—officials of late medieval China were not only enthusiastic in amateur storytelling, but also showed unprecedented interest in recording stories on different aspects of literati life. These stories appeared in diverse forms, including narrative poems, “tales of the marvelous,” “records of the strange,” historical miscellanies, and transformation texts. Through storytelling, literati explored their own changing place in a society that was making its final transition from hereditary aristocracy to a meritocracy ostensibly open to all. Literati Storytelling shows how these writings offer crucial insights into the reconfiguration of the Chinese elite, which monopolized literacy, social prestige, and political participation in imperial China.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780295994154
Publisher: University of Washington Press
Publication date: 08/01/2016
Edition description: Reprint
Pages: 240
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Manling Luo is assistant professor of Chinese literature at Indiana University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Note to Readers

Chronology

Introduction

1. Sovereignty: The Case of the Illustrious Emperor

2. Literati Sociality: Remembering Individuals and Community in Historical Miscellanies

3. Sexuality: Women, Literati, and Nonmarital Bonds

4. Cosmic Mobility: The Possibility and Impossibility of Moving Beyond

Conclusion: The Power and Legacies of Late Medieval Literati Storytelling

Chinese Character Glossary

Notes

Bibliography

Index

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Related Subjects

Literature
Literary Criticism
Asian Literature
Chinese Literature - Literary Criticism
Literature
Literary Criticism
Asian Literature
Chinese Literature - Literary Criticism

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